Washing machine appliance with wash drum cleaning system

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance with a wash drum cleaning system. A nozzle located in the cabinet and outside of the wash drum directs fluid at an exterior surface of the wash drum for cleaning. The exterior surface of the wash drum is cleaned as it rotates within the wash tub. The nozzle is positioned to clean a portion of the exterior surface where contaminants may accumulate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to a cleaning system for a washing machine appliance and more particularly to a cleaning system for the basket of a washing machine appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing appliances (also referred to as “washing machines”) typically include a drum or basket for receipt of articles to be washed. This drum is placed within a wash bin or wash tub that serves as a container for various fluids applied to the articles during a cleaning cycle. The drum typically includes small openings or holes for the passage of fluid in and out of the basket during the cleaning cycle.

The fluids used during a cleaning cycle typically include water that may be combined with e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and combinations thereof. Depending upon the origin of water supplied to the appliance, various minerals, particulates, and other materials may also be present in the fluids used during a cleaning cycle. Other substances including e.g., dirt, dyes, and textile particulates may also be released into the fluids from the laundry articles during the cleaning process.

In a typical cleaning cycle, fluids are added and later removed from the wash bin during various stages or modes of washing and rinsing. As these fluids come into contact with the wash drum, materials may be deposited onto the wash drum. Such materials may form a film or residue—particularly on the exterior of the wash drum where direct contact with the laundry articles does not occur. The residue may be removed by e.g., contact with fluid during the same or a subsequent cleaning cycle.

However, the residue can also dry and/or remain in place on the drum—particularly during periods of non-use between cycles. If the residue is deposited above the average fluid level placed into the wash bin or the fluid level used during a self-cleaning cycle, the chances of such being removed by fluid during a cleaning cycle is significantly diminished. As the appliance is used repeatedly over various cleaning cycles, such residue may accumulate.

Although largely not visible to a user of the appliance during normal operation, residue on the exterior of the wash drum is undesirable and may contribute to an unpleasant odor. Further, a typical user will not be able to access the exterior of the drum to wash the residue away. The residue may also not be removed by a self-cleaning cycle of the appliance—particularly if the residue is located higher on the wash drum than the fluid level typically used during such a cycle.

Accordingly, a washer appliance having features to clean the exterior of the wash basket or wash drum would be beneficial. Such a washer appliance having features that help to prevent and/or remove the formation or accumulation of material deposits, residues, or films on the exterior of the wash drum would also be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a washing appliance that includes a cabinet and a wash tub positioned in the cabinet and defining a wash chamber. A wash drum is rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and is configured for receiving articles for washing. The wash drum has an exterior surface. A nozzle is located in the cabinet and outside the wash drum. The nozzle is positioned to direct a jet of fluid onto the exterior surface of the wash drum and within the wash tub.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a cabinet and a wash tub positioned in the cabinet. The wash tub defines a wash chamber. The wash tub includes a main body and a tub cover attached to the main body. A wash drum is rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and is configured for receiving articles for washing. The wash drum has an exterior surface. A nozzle is located in the cabinet and attached to the tub cover. The nozzle is positioned to direct a stream of fluid onto the exterior surface of the wash drum and within the wash tub.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a washing machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of the exemplary washing machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a partial cross-sectional view of the top portion of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the cross-section of illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary nozzle as may be used with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is another side view of the exemplary nozzle of FIG. 5 as seen from an angle orthogonal to that shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the exemplary nozzle of FIGS. 5 and 6 whereas FIG. 8 is a bottom view thereof.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the exemplary nozzle of FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 along with a portion of an exemplary wash tub of the washing appliance in FIGS. 1 and 2 so as to illustrate attachment of the exemplary nozzle.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exemplary nozzle of FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 along with a portion of an exemplary wash tub of the washing appliance in FIGS. 1 and 2 so as to illustrate attachment of the exemplary nozzle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing appliance 100 of the present invention, which is also sometimes referred to as a top loading or vertical axis washing machine. In FIG. 1, a door 102 (shown in FIG. 2) has been removed for purposes of illustrating other features of the invention. Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 104 that extends between a top portion 106 and a bottom portion 108 along the vertical direction V, between a first side (left) 110 and a second side (right) 112 along the lateral direction L, and between a front 114 and a rear 116 along the transverse direction T.

As best shown in FIG. 2, a wash tub 118 is positioned within cabinet 102, defines a wash chamber 120, and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. A wash drum 122 is rotatably mounted within wash chamber 120 of wash tub 118. For this exemplary embodiment, wash tub 118 includes a main body portion 170 and a cover 168 attached thereto (FIGS. 2 and 3).

Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a dispenser 124 for dispensing wash fluid (arrows D) into wash tub 118. Appliance 100 may include one or more additional dispensers for directing fluid into wash tub 118 and each dispenser may be separately controlled by one or more valves controlling flow to each dispenser independently of the others. The term “cleaning fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing articles during an operating cycle and may include water alone or any combination of water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and other wash additives or treatments. As used herein, the term “cleaning cycle” includes a wash cycle, rinse cycle, spin cycle, or combinations thereof.

Wash drum 122 and cabinet 104 generally define an opening 126 (accessible through door 102) for receipt of articles for washing. Wash basket 122 rotates about an axis of rotation A (FIG. 2) powered by motor assembly 128. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.

As illustrated, cabinet 104 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 130. Top panel 130 defines opening 126 (FIG. 1) that coincides with opening 126 of wash basket 118 to permit a user access to wash drum 122. Door 102 is rotatably mounted to top panel 130 to permit selective access to opening 126. In particular, door 102 selectively rotates between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, door 102 inhibits access to wash drum 122. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash drum 122. Although door 102 is illustrated as mounted to top panel 130, door 102 may alternatively be mounted to cabinet 104 or any other suitable support.

As best shown in FIG. 2, wash drum 122 further defines a plurality of perforations 132 to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of wash drum 122 and wash tub 118. In this regard, wash drum 122 is spaced apart from wash tub 118 to define a space for wash fluid to escape wash chamber 120. During a spin cycle, wash fluid within articles being washed (e.g., clothing) and within wash chamber 120 is urged through perforations 132 wherein it may collect in a sump 134 defined by wash tub 118. Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a pump assembly 148 (FIG. 2) that is located beneath wash tub 118 and wash drum 122 for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 118. Pump assembly 148 can, for example, provide for the flow of cleaning fluid D into wash bin 118 and for the removal of spent cleaning fluid from appliance 100.

An impeller 136 is rotatably mounted within wash drum 122 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in wash drum 122. More specifically, impeller 136 extends into wash drum 122 and assists agitation of articles disposed within wash drum 122 during operation of washing appliance 100, e.g., to facilitate improved cleaning. In different embodiments, impeller 136 includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), a double action element (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or a triple action element (oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, single direction rotation at the other end). Impeller 136 and wash drum 122 are oriented to rotate about axis of rotation A (which is substantially parallel to vertical direction V). For this exemplary embodiment, impeller 136 is equipped with radial vanes 150 that assist in imparting movement to articles during operation of appliance 100. Other features, such as a vane agitator, auger, oscillatory basket mechanism, or some combination thereof, may also be used to impart motion to the articles during washing.

As stated, washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor assembly 128 in mechanical communication with wash drum 122 to selectively rotate wash drum 122 (e.g., during a wash cycle or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). In addition, motor assembly 128 may also be in mechanical communication with impeller 136. In this manner, motor assembly 128 may be configured for selectively and independently rotating or oscillating wash drum 122 and/or impeller 136 during various operating cycles of washing machine appliance 100.

A balancing ring assembly 154 is positioned at a top portion 166 of wash drum 122. During cycles where wash drum 122 is revolved or spun at high speeds to wring fluid from the wash articles, balancing ring assembly 154 helps maintain the balance of weight in wash drum 122, particularly when the load from articles being washed is not uniformly distributed. Typically, the level of fluid placed in wash tub 118 may reach top portion 166 of wash drum 122 but does not rise vertically to the level of balancing ring assembly 154.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, a control panel 138 with at least one input selector 140 (FIGS. 1 and 2) extends from top panel 130. Control panel 138 and input selector 140 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features of washing appliance 100. A display 142 of control panel 138 indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by at least one controller or processing device 146 that is operatively coupled to control panel 138 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 138, controller 146 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features. According to an exemplary embodiment, controller 146 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with methods described herein. Alternatively, controller 146 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 138 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 146 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash drum 122 through opening 126, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selector 140. Water, detergent and/or other fluid additives can be added to wash tub 118 and wash drum 122 through dispenser 124 and/or other dispensers as well. Controller 146 can operate one or more valves of washing appliance 100 to provide for filling wash tub 118 and wash drum 122 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash drum 122 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash drum 122 can be agitated (e.g., with impeller 136 as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash drum 122. The specific operation of wash appliance 100 by controller 146 will depend on various inputs including the cycle and other settings that may be selected by the user, the amount of article placed in wash chamber 120, and other variables as will be understood by one of skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

By way of continuing example, after wash tub 118 is filled and the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub 118 and drum 122 can be drained, e.g., by drain pump assembly 148. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding cleaning fluid to wash drum 122 and tub 118 again depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller or agitation element 136 may also provide agitation within wash drum 122. One or more spin cycles may also be used as part of the cleaning process. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash drum 122 is rotated at relatively high speeds to help wring fluid from the laundry articles through perforations 132. After articles disposed in wash drum 122 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash drum 122, e.g., by reaching into wash drum 122 through opening 126.

As previously discussed, during normal operations of washing appliance 100, various materials may be deposited onto the exterior surface 152 of wash drum 122, which ultimately can leave a film or residue. Without undesirable disassembly of the washing appliance 100, a user cannot access exterior surface 152 for purposes of cleaning. In one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a cleaning system for directing a stream of fluid onto exterior surface 152 to provide cleaning thereof.

More particularly, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, washing appliance 100 includes a device, nozzle 160 for this exemplary embodiment, that directs a stream, jet, or spray S of fluid onto exterior surface 152 of wash drum 122. As shown for this exemplary embodiment, nozzle 160 is located in cabinet 104 and outside of wash drum 122. Nozzle 160 is attached to tub cover 168 at an opening 198 of wash tub 118 and is positioned and oriented so as to direct fluid (e.g., water) onto exterior surface 152.

For this embodiment, nozzle 160 is positioned adjacent to the balancing ring assembly 154 along lateral direction L and slightly above the top portion 166 of wash drum 122 along vertical direction V. In this way, nozzle 160 is able to direct fluid along the uppermost portion of exterior surface 152. As previously indicated, the top portion 166 may not normally be submerged vertically below the level of cleaning fluid used during various cleaning cycles of the appliance. For example, the top portion 166 of exterior surface 152 may only be submerged during the largest loads of articles or may only be intermittently exposed to fluids such as from splashing during various cleaning cycles. Accordingly, for this exemplary embodiment, nozzle 160 is positioned to direct fluid at the top portion 166 of wash drum 122 and even at least part of balancing ring assembly 154 to provide for cleaning thereof. Other positions and/or orientations for nozzle 160 may also be utilized.

Nozzle 160 can be connected with a tube or hose 164 to provide a flow of fluid F as determined by controller 146 manipulating one or more valves of washing appliance 100. In one exemplary embodiment, controller 146 provides a supply of fresh water (i.e. water previously used in a cleaning cycle of the appliance 100) by opening one or more valves to cause a flow F of such water through hose 164 and nozzle 160. This flow F could be part of a special self-cleaning cycle of the appliance 100 or could be a regular part of one or more cleaning cycles used for washing articles. In another embodiment, the flow of fluid F may be fluid recirculated from wash tub 118 during wash or rinse cycles. Controller 146 can cause wash drum 122 to rotate as the fluid is directed by nozzle 160 at exterior surface 152 so that the entire circumference of drum 122 is presented for cleaning. In still another exemplary embodiment, flow of fluid F could be supplied to nozzle 160 while fluid is also supplied to another part of the appliance 100 such as a spray rinse nozzle that provides a rinse to articles in wash drum 122. Alternatively, a diverter or other valving could be used to directed a flow of fluid F between nozzle 160 and other portions of the appliance 100 during a cleaning cycle. Other techniques may be used as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8, nozzle 160 is specially shaped to create a jet of water S (FIG. 4) having a sufficient amount of kinetic energy to remove contamination from exterior surface 152. More particularly, along the direction of flow F, fluid passes into an inlet 162 of nozzle 160 followed by a straight portion 172. This is in turn followed by a non-straight portion 174 having specially shaped opposing walls 180 and 182. As shown in FIG. 6, walls 180 and 182 converge along the direction of flow F and create a fluid flow path 184 therein having an elliptical cross-section 183 (FIGS. 7 and 8) through which the fluid flows to exit through outlet 200. The convergent elliptical cross-section 183 created by walls 180 and 182 creates a stream or jet of fluid S that is substantially flat in shape and can be oriented relative to wash drum 122 to increase the width of contact with exterior surface 152. For example, as best seen in FIG. 4, nozzle 160 is oriented so that the converging walls 180 and 182 are opposite from each other along horizontal direction H. This will provide a substantially vertical stream of fluid so as to increase the amount of coverage along the vertical direction as exterior surface 152 rotates past nozzle 160 for cleaning. Other orientations may be used as well. Additionally, for this exemplary embodiment, center line C/L of nozzle 160 (FIGS. 4 and 6) forms an acute angle α in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees from vertical direction V. In still another embodiment, center line C/L of nozzle 160 forms an acute angle α of about 45 degrees from vertical direction V. Other angles may be used as well.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, several features are provided for attaching and orienting nozzle 160 at opening 198 on wash tub 122. Wash tub cover 168 includes a pair of opposing fingers 190 and 192 (FIGS. 9 and 10) positioned on opposite sides of opening 198. Each finger 190 and 192 defines a slot 194 and 196, respectively, between the finger and cover 168. Nozzle 160 defines a pair of opposing tabs 176 and 178 position on opposite sides of nozzle outlet 200.

As such, nozzle 160 can be rotatably attached to wash tub 122 by positioning nozzle 160 at opening 198 and rotating as indicated by arrow R in FIG. 9. This movements allows tabs 176 and 178 to slide into slots 194 and 196 and under fingers 190 and 192. Each tab 176 and 178 has opposing ribs 186 and 188, respectively, located thereon. As tabs 176 and 178 rotate into position, ribs 186 and 188 are removably received into notches 202 and 204 located on the underside of fingers 190 and 192 and facing slots 194 and 196 so as to provide a snap fit that releasably locks nozzle 160 into place. Reversing the direction of rotational movement as indicated by arrow D allows nozzle 160 to be removed. Other features for the attachment of nozzle 160 to wash bin 118 may be provided as well.

The nozzle illustrated in the figures is provided by way of example. Other nozzle types and configurations for nozzle 160 may be employed. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a nozzle that includes fluidic oscillation may be utilized. Such nozzles, also referred to as fluidic oscillators, create a self-induced oscillation of the fluid stream (e.g., sweeping or pulsing) that can cover a larger portion of exterior surface 152 and/or provide a higher velocity fluid stream to the exterior surface 152.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing appliance, comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub positioned in the cabinet and defining a wash chamber; a wash drum rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and configured for receiving articles for washing, the wash drum having an exterior surface; and a nozzle located in the cabinet and outside the wash drum, the nozzle positioned to direct a jet of fluid onto the exterior surface of the wash drum and within the wash tub.
 2. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash tub defines an opening, and wherein the nozzle is attached to the wash tub at the opening.
 3. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash drum defines a top portion, and wherein the nozzle is positioned adjacent to the top portion of the wash drum.
 4. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash tub defines an opening, and wherein the nozzle is rotatably attached to the wash tub at the opening.
 5. The washing appliance of claim 4, further comprising a pair of opposing fingers positioned at the opening of the wash tub, each finger defining a slot, wherein the nozzle defines a pair of opposing tabs configured to be rotatably received into the slots of the pair of opposing fingers.
 6. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the nozzle defines converging walls creating a fluid flow path having an elliptically-shaped cross-section to shape the jet of fluid directed onto the exterior surface of the wash drum.
 7. The washing appliance of claim 1, wherein the nozzle is connected with a fresh water supply.
 8. The washing appliance of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured for directing a flow of fresh water through the nozzle during a cleaning cycle of the appliance.
 9. The washing appliance of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured for directing a flow of fresh water through the nozzle during a self-cleaning cycle of the appliance.
 10. A washing appliance, comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub positioned in the cabinet and defining a wash chamber, the wash tub comprising a main body and a tub cover attached to the main body; a wash drum rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and configured for receiving articles for washing, the wash drum having an exterior surface; and a nozzle located in the cabinet and attached to the tub cover, the nozzle positioned to direct a stream of fluid onto the exterior surface of the wash drum and within the wash tub.
 11. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the wash tub cover defines an opening, and wherein the nozzle is attached to the tub cover at the opening.
 12. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the wash drum defines a top portion, and wherein the nozzle is positioned adjacent to the top portion of the wash drum.
 13. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the wash tub cover defines an opening, and wherein the nozzle is rotatably attached to the wash tub at the opening.
 14. The washing appliance of claim 13, further comprising a pair of opposing fingers positioned at the opening of the wash tub cover, each finger defining a slot, wherein the nozzle defines a pair of opposing tabs configured to be rotatably received into the slots of the opposing fingers.
 15. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the nozzle defines converging walls creating a fluid flow path having an elliptically-shaped cross-section to shape the jet of fluid directed onto the exterior surface of the wash drum.
 16. The washing appliance of claim 10, wherein the nozzle is connected with a fresh water supply.
 17. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising a controller configured for directing a flow of fresh water through the nozzle during a cleaning cycle of the appliance.
 18. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising a controller configured for directing a flow of fresh water through the nozzle during a self-cleaning cycle of the appliance.
 19. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising a balance ring assembly attached to the wash drum, wherein the nozzle is positioned to direct a flow of fluid onto the balance ring assembly and the exterior surface of the wash drum.
 20. The washing appliance of claim 10, further comprising a controller configured for directing a flow of fresh water through the nozzle during a rinse cycle or spin cycle of the appliance. 